Shining Armor took a deep breath to steady himself as he stood at the entryway of the Crystal Empire. The former captain of the guard staring out at the white expanse that was the land surrounding the city. It was quiet at the moment, save for the sound of the freezing winds. But the winds carried the sound of something approaching the empire. Gripping the handle of his sword, Shining Narrowed his eyes as he prepared to meet the force that approached his domain.
"I was manipulated and used in my wedding, and I failed to truly protect the Crystal Empire when it returned after a thousand years." Shining Armor said as he powered up the most powerful shield spell he could to envelope the entire city! "And in the face of the enemy we're up against, I can't afford to fail again!"
The prince of the Crystal Empire panted as he finished casting his barrier spell, and rose to his feet just in time to face those who were marching towards his family's home. Standing outside of the barrier was a whole legion of Lancer robots. Their leader, Nova Flare, stepped forward to meet Shining Armor. A serene look on her face as she addressed him.
"Prince Shining Armor. Why do you block our way?" Nova Flare asked. "We have not come here in the name of conquest and subjugation. I have journeyed here on a mission of mercy for the sake of your people."
"Any mercy offered by someone following that usurper Blitz Surge is a cruelty in disguise." Shining Armor replied with fire in his voice, and steel in his eyes! "These people have already suffered the rule of one tyrant! And they'll suffer another one over my dead body! But more importantly, there's no way I'll hand over the Crystal Empire to the same monster who tried to harm my baby girl and sealed my wife's magic! If you honestly believe that Blitz Surge truly stands for anything good, then you're just as delusional as him! In fact, I'd say he's even worse than your last master!"
"How dare you insult the true son of one of the land's greatest heroes?!" Nova Flare shouted in shock! "While it is true that Lord Shining Dawn was of despicable character, Blitz Surge has been nothing but truthful with me! He informed me of his machinations when he recruited me! When I was lost after that witch Nightmare Moon bested me, he came to me in my darkest hour! He is my savior! And soon, he shall be all of Unity's!" Nova's face then twisted with rage!
"Especially once he brings an end to the pretender claiming to be the son of Aether Stream! The accursed false hero, Burst Stream! Once Blitz Surge rids the land of him, he shall them expunge the other foul, dark beings that plague our world!" Nova Flare's face had an expression of pure elation as she spread out her arms and looked to the sky in reverence! Her voice becoming serene as a euphoric smile spread across her face! "A world of only light. Can you be so ignorantly deny the beauty of such a vision?"
"No. I can see it all too clearly." Shining Armor retorted with disgust. "I can see that the ideal world you envision is no different than what Nightmare Moon had originally desired. A world of pure darkness, or a world full of light? It doesn't matter because either is a world where everyone's blind! Light and darkness aren't opposing forces that have to conquer each other. They're complements that achieve harmony. It's the forces that misuse them that are the only evil in this world! That makes Blitz Surge the greatest evil I've ever seen with how he abuses the power of Harmony! I will not bow to him and neither will my people!"
"So be it." Nova Flare said with disappointment. "You will have three days, one for each of my comrades who have been defeated, to reconsider. None of the units under my command shall attack until the grace period I've given you ends. And I do hope you will make the right choice."
". . . I'm done wasting words one someone who won't listen, and refuses to see." Shining Armor spat as he turned his back to Nova Flare and teleported back to the crystal castle. Letting out a heavy sigh of exhaustion upon his return. "The fighting's already begun, and not a single weapon was raised."
"Considering you were able to come back to us, I'd say you won this fight." Cadence said as she walked up to her husband. Flurry Heart giggling happily in her arms. "Flurry misses her daddy."
"She might have to miss me even longer." Shining Armor said with a sad smile. "Because if worst comes to worst, I want you to take Flurry and flee the Crystal Empire."
"It won't come to that Shiny." Cadence said firmly. "Somewhere deep in my heart, I know that."
"Believe me. Nothing makes me happier than knowing that." Shining Armor sighed as he looked over the empire. "I just wish everyone else believed that too."
Shining Armor's worry was well warranted as the citizens of the Crystal Empire were murmuring nervously about the army that had just marched onto their doorstep.
"How are we going to fight against an army of machines?!" One citizen nervously rambled as they trembled.
"I'm more worried about how our soldiers are going to fare in the battle." Another stated. "They haven't fought a real battle in almost forever! What're we gonna do?!"
"We've got one of the Gem Maidens one our side, right?" One person asked. "She'll be able to help the troops fight off the enemy!"
"She's just one person!" Another countered! "You don't expect her to take on the entire enemy force alone, do you?! The poor girl would be overwhelmed!"
"Don't worry!" A child piped up with a hopeful smile! "Don't any of you remember? After Sombra came back, he was beaten by one of the Elements of Heroism! And when one of the Chaos Kin showed up to try and destroy our home, that hero showed up again to save us!" The child then pointed to the statue of Dark Ice that had been constructed in honor of his heroic deeds! "We're in trouble right now, so the hero is sure to come and help us again!"
Suddenly, as if to fulfill the hopes of the people, a pillar of light radiated down on the city square! When the light faded, Dark Ice stepped out!
"Hey everyone." Dark Ice greeted with a smile. "Heard you were having a problem with some unwanted guests."
"We're so relieved that you've come here." A citizen said with a relief. "But the fact remains, there's an entire army out there. Dark Ice, what can you do against them alone?"
"Oh, I'm not alone." Dark Ice smirked. "I've got a few friends to lend a hand. They should be arriving any second-" Three more pillars of light appeared next to Dark Ice. "Ah. That'd be them. Aether's teleport spell is really something else." Once the three new pillars faded, it was revealed that Princess Celestia, Nightmare Moon, and Burst Stream had arrived on the scene!
"Hey, Ice." Burst said. "Let's get over to the castle. I bet Shining Armor is gonna be pretty glad to see us."
"Good idea." Dark Ice nodded. "Let's not waste any time."
"Or keep Indigo Zap waiting." Nightmare Moon smirked. Earning the princess of dreams a surprised look from Dark Ice. "Come on, Ice. I oversee the dreams of everyone. Don't you think I've caught a glimpse of you dreaming about your girlfriend?"
"I. . . ugh. No point in denying it." Dark Ice sighed. "Let's figure out a way to send Nova Flare crying back to Blitz Surge. After that, we can get to the good part of this long fight." The group made their way to the Crystal Castle. Shining Armor welcoming them warmly as they entered the castle's halls.
"We can't thank all of you enough for coming." Shining Armor said with a sigh of relief. "I've heard about your efforts to liberate the other regions controlled by Blitz Surge's commanders. Some part of me was praying I'd get the help of some of you, and it looks like my prayers were answered and then some. It's an honor to have you fighting alongside us Princess Celestia."
"While I appreciate the sentiment, there's no need to bother with titles." Celestia stated with a small smile. "Especially since we're family now."
"You're certainly a better prince than Blueblood." Nightmare Moon smirked as she looked to Cadence cradling Flurry Heart. "Maybe after this whole mess is over, Burst here can get to work giving Celestia and me our own little monsters!"
"Can we get back on topic please?!" Burst Stream snapped as he and Celestia blushed intensely! "And why did you mention-?"
"Reasons." Nightmare Moon replied quickly. "For me to know, and for her to tell you once we take down Blitz Surge."
"Fine." Burst sighed before composing himself. "So what's your next move Shining Armor? You've already fortified the city with your shield spell. Now you just have to deal with the enemy force that's on your doorstep."
"The soldiers of the Crystal Empire haven't seen a battle for a long time." Shining Armor explained. "The last time they fought was when King Sombra took over the Crystal Empire. And, well, we all know how that turned out."
"So they're afraid, are they?" Dark Ice asked. "I can't blame them."
"You know more than anyone what it's like to be afraid, Ice." Burst Stream stated. "But you also know how fear can spur you into action. It's what helped you awaken as the Element of Courage." He then turned his attention to Shining Armor. "I hope I'm not overstepping my boundaries, Shining Armor. But would it be alright if Ice says a few words to your troops?"
"I think that would do wonders for their morale." Shining Armor said with a tired smile. "Best to hear a few words of encouragement from their hero."
"Uh, Burst? Shouldn't you be the one giving the inspiring heroic speech?" Dark Ice asked. "You're the leader of our team of elements."
"The reason why you should say something to them was already said by Shining Armor." Burst said as he put his hand on Ice's shoulder. "You're the Crystal Empire's hero. Not me. In the face of the one who ruled them with fear, you showed none. And when the Chaos Kin showed up to trash the place, it was you who defeated Blazing Mars. You're the Element of Courage not because you don't feel afraid. It's that you face your fear and let it hold no power over you. But more importantly, it's your fear for the sake of others that pushes you to act."
"Heh. Hard to believe it feels like only yesterday I was trying to take you guys and Ace down." Dark Ice chuckled. "How far we've come, right? It's a wonder I haven't ascended yet with all the courage I've shown in my battles."
"Eh. Give it another season." Nightmare Moon suggested. "I sense a lot of big changes in the future anyhow."
"Well before we get to rallying the troops, we'd best but a solid battle plan together first." Celestia said. "How far out from the city are Nova Flare's troops?"
"Far enough for us to give the people some breathing room to evacuate should worst come to worst." Shining Armor answered. "Nova Flare's forces are mainly composed of ground units and a squadron or two of Valkyries. We could case the ground with mine spells to help topple the ground forces a bit."
"Nightmare Moon and I would be more than happy to handle the aerial units." Celestia stated. "I haven't gotten to stretch my wings for a good while."
"If we still had access to our magic, you could rain fire upon our enemies." Nightmare Moon giggled. "But our weapons can do the job just as well. Just say the word and I'll bring the stars down on the ground forces."
"Well if we're looking to really deal some damage, I'm the guy for the job." Burst said. "I've got a few new tricks up my sleeve after training with Bahamut. And I'd say now's the perfect time to put them into practice. One of them takes a while to charge in order to get maximum effect. The other's good for dealing a lot of damage, but it takes up most of my magic power."
Shining Armor scratched his chin in thought. "Then we'll use the mine spells to slow down the advance of the ground units while you charge up one of those attacks." "As for the other technique you mentioned, we'd better save that for when we get overwhelmed. I'd say we've got a decent strategy thrown together. We have three days to prepare our forces. Dark Ice. I'd rather you speak to them now rather than later. It just might give their morale the boost it needs for the days ahead."
"I'll. . . I'll do what I can." Dark Ice sighed. "I'm not all that good at speeches." And with that, Dark Ice left for his attempt to try and raise the morale of the Crystal Empire's army. It went without saying when he arrived at the barracks and saw all the soldiers there staring at him expectantly. As if they thought he could single handedly deliver a solution to all their problems.
'Okay. Just speak from your heart. You know what it's like to be scared. Tell them why it's not a bad thing.' Dark Ice thought as he composed himself before addressing the troops. "You all know about what's coming for the Crystal Empire. You know about the enemy that threatens your home." Dark Ice took a deep breath. "And you all know that the last time the empire was threatened, you unfortunately were no match for King Sombra's magic. That defeat? The feelings of uselessness and the overwhelming fear that you'll fail again? That's good."
The Crystal Empire's soldiers were puzzled and started to mutter among themselves before they heard Dark Ice clear his throat.
"Let me be clear with all of you. Just because I'm the Element of Courage, that doesn't mean I'm not afraid of anything." Dark Ice continued. "In fact, it was my own fear that made me awaken as one of the Elements of Heroism." Ice took note of the surprised looks on the soldiers faces before continuing. "It was when I was rolling with a bad crowd. One of my brothers was fighting against me and them. The fight got pretty bad for my brother and the other Elements of Heroism, and I was having second thoughts about the crowd I was with. But what really shook me was when I saw my brother about to be killed by one of the guys I was fighting alongside with. I was so scared back then that I didn't think of anything else but saving my brother. At that moment, I refused to let my fear of failure stop me because I couldn't afford to fail. Not when I feared for his life and would do all that I could to save him. And right now, you are all facing a similar moment."
Dark Ice paused for a minute to observe the contemplative stare of the Crystal Empire's soldiers.
"I know you're not just scared for yourselves. Your friends. Your families. Your entire empire. All of that's on the line once again." Dark Ice stated."Last time, things didn't go well for all of you. But I have to ask this: What scares you more? The thought of screwing up again, or having to live with the shame that you didn't take a stand when it meant protecting everything you know and love?! Because I don't find anything more terrifying than the thought of a world with Blitz Surge in charge and I didn't do a thing to try and stop him! Courage is forged when you face your fears! So who among you is willing to charge through the fire with me?!"
There was complete silence within the barracks. Silence that was soon broken by the shuffling of feet moving towards Dark Ice.
"I will fight!" One soldier declared as he strode ahead of his comrades. "I would sooner die than live under the rule of another tyrant!"
"I refuse to let my family suffer another world of fear and oppression!" Another soldier shouted!
"Time and again you have risked your life for the Crystal Empire!" Another cried out! "If we were to let you face the enemy by yourself would be more disgraceful than losing the battle! We would have no right to call ourselves soldiers!"
"I'm glad to hear that from all of you." Shining Armor said with a proud smile as he entered the barracks. "Listen up! We have three days to prepare for the enemy force on our doorstep! After those three days pass, we'll show them that we refuse to surrender! Show Blitz Surge and his Lancers our defiance! Show them the courage of the Crystal Empire!"
The soldiers roared in agreement as they began equipping themselves and polishing their skills for the coming battle! Satisfied with his efforts in raising the spirits of the army, Dark Ice decided to take his leave and make his way towards the castle's kitchen.
'Making a heroic speech really gets the appetite going.' Dark Ice thought to himself as he rubbed his growling stomach. "Can't very well fight on an empty stomach." He was about to grab a plate when he heard something hurtling towards him. Reacting quickly, Ice caught the object that had been thrown at him. An apple.
"Guess my aim was off." Indigo Zap said with a pout as she approached Dark Ice. "You know, just once I'd like for us to get together without the Crystal Empire being in danger."
"Alright. What'd I do, Indigo?" Dark Ice asked with a small smile. "Because if this is about the lack of calls, I can explain."
"You got kicked out of your home while a tyrant seized power and declared you and your friends renegades." Indigo Zap answered. "Not to mention you've been busy with your resistance and liberation efforts. Efforts you've succeeded in so far. Couldn't you have called before you got teleported over here?"
". . . I know you're not mad, but you look cute when you pout." Dark Ice chuckled. "So what's really got you upset?"
"It's just. . . every time we're brought together, it's usually because something bad's going down." Indigo Zap sighed. "Sombra. Blazing Mars. And now we've got Blitz Surge and the Lancers trying to take over the entire kingdom. And from all those times, we've been brought together. I hate that fact, Ice." A sad look was in Indigo's eyes as she locked gazes with Ice. "I hate that the times we've been brought together, you've had to fight."
"Trust me, I'm getting sick of this trend too." Dark Ice sighed before a small grin spread across his face. "But there's one gigantic positive once this is all over."
Indigo Zap tilted her head in curiosity. "Really?"
"Yup." Dark Ice nodded. "It'll be hard for any future villains to top Blitz Surge. He's the worst of the worst, and I doubt anyone could be worse than him. Once he's beaten, I'd say things are gonna be quiet for a good, long while."
"Peace and quiet, huh?" Indigo Zap smiled. "I sure like the sound of that. It's a lot better than the conflict that's going on right now. Heck, it's only been a short while and people have already given it a name!"
"Oh? And just what have they dubbed the epic struggle between my friends and I and Blitz and his cronies?" Dark Ice chuckled.
"They started calling it 'The Hero Wars'. A bit weird, but it kinda makes sense." Indigo Zap shrugged. "Given how much Blitz rants and spews that you're all 'false heroes' and that he and his goons are 'true' heroes. As if! From what I've seen, he only cares about the fame and adoration he receives."
"Yeah? Well, he'll soon see what a real hero can do." Dark Ice said boldly. "Me and the guys have been wrecking his plans so far. And it won't be long before we bring his rule crashing down too! We're moving towards Castalot once things are done here. I don't know if any of our allies get good TV signals, but I'm pretty sure the whole world is against Blitz Surge."
"I think you'd better worry about the fight that's three days from now." Indigo Zap cautioned. "But, before you get out there." Indigo Zap walked up to Dark Ice and planted a kiss on his lips. A satisfied smile spread across her face as she pulled away. "A hero can't go into battle without a maiden's favor."
"Oh, really? Well, in that case." Dark Ice smirked as he kissed Indigo Zap. "Consider that a hero's promise. I'll survive this next battle even if it kills me."
"You do know that doesn't make sense right?" Indigo Zap giggled as she watched Dark Ice gather some food.
"Me and my friends are a band of heroic badasses." Dark Ice replied with a grin. "We're able to defy logic whenever we need to."
The following days were spent on intense training and planning for the coming siege of the Lancer forces. While the mine spells had been placed across the intended battleground, the amount of spells cast had to be significantly lower than desired as Valkyrie units were patrolling around the Lancer encampment. But in spite of this turn of events, the news only served to strengthen the resolve of the Crystal Empire's soldiers. The remaining days seemingly evaporated into thin air as the fated day of battle soon arrived. Both armies meeting a fair distance away from the city.
The opposing armies couldn't have been more opposite. While the Lancer forces were all machines with the same empty optics and bore no expressions, the faces of the Crystal Empire's army were hardened with resolve and determination to win. While Nova Flare sat in the center of her forces, Shining Armor stood at the front of his troops along with the Dark Ice, Burst Stream, Celestia, and Nightmare Moon. Save for the wind blowing through, the battlefield was silent.
"I offer you one last chance to accept my offer of salvation, Shining Armor." Nova Flare declared. "Simply turn your soldiers back home, and hand over the dethroned princesses and false heroes to me. Blitz Surge shall decide a fair punishment for them. This I promise."
"My answer is still the same." Shining Armor said with great steel in his voice! "Blitz Surge may sit on Unity's throne, but it's a throne he stole from worthy rulers! Rulers who stand beside me! And as for that 'false heroes' bit? I don't think I've ever heard a more disgusting lie in my life! Unlike your boss, the Elements of Heroism actually earned the title of heroes! They actually risked their lives time and again for Unity! Not to claim glory or fame, but because it was the right thing to do! And I've never been more privileged than to fight alongside them here and now!"
"So you stand together." Nova Flare said with disdain as she glared at Shining Armor. "Then together you shall fall. ATTACK!"
"Hold the line. . . " Shining Armor commanded as he noticed his soldiers switching into defensive positions. "Just a little bit longer. . . " A few seconds later, the Lancer forces had charged onto the area where the mine spells had been set! Triggering them the instant they set foot upon the land! The resulting explosions destroying a good number of basic units while disorienting others! "NOW! CHAAARGE!" Shining Armor drew his sword, and the army of the Crystal Empire charged forward! Their crystal spears firing blasts of energy from the blade!
"Don't bother with the Valkyrie units!" Shining Armor commanded as he blocked the sword of a Blade unit! "We've got all the air support we could ask for!"
True to his word, Celestia and Nightmare Moon were duking it out with the Valkyrie units in the sky above. However, to say it was a fair fight would be a lie. The two princesses were utterly dominating the air against their robotic foes. Though they may have been robbed of their magic, their fighting skill with weapons had not been diminished in the least! Celestia's blazing sword cut through the Valkyrie units like a hot knife through butter, while Nightmare Moon's lance and broadsword pierced the cores and clipped the wings of any enemies unfortunate enough to try and engage her.
Back on the ground, Dark Ice was cleaving his way through the Lancer forces! His advance rallying the troops of the Crystal Empire to push back even harder against the invaders! "Hey, Burst! When are you gonna bust out the techniques you mentioned?!"
"In a few more seconds!" Burst Stream replied as his weapon in lightsaber slashed a Guardian unit in half! All the while, Burst Stream's dragon wings were glowing with a blue light! The light intensifying as time progressed. When the glow from the wings got particularly bright, Burst smirked! "There! This ought to open up a good-sized hole! IMPULSE!" With a flap of his wings, Burst sent out a destructive wave of energy that ripped through a good portion of the Lancer forces! "I'm charging up another one right now!"
"Alright!" Dark Ice cheered! "Now we've got a shot at getting to Nova Flare!"
"You heard him, men!" Shining Armor cried out as he joined Dark Ice's side! "Concentrate on that break in their line! We're breaking through!"
The soldiers of the Crystal Empire roared in acknowledgement as the charged towards the opening Burst Stream had created! Burst Stream let out more impulse attacks, but they were far less powerful than the initial one he unleashed since they hadn't been charged as long. However, the mattered very little as the forces fighting by his side managed to pressure the already thinning enemy line.
"Say, Moon?" Celestia asked as she cut down another Valkyrie unit. "Care to make the stars fall?"
"Heh!" Nightmare Moon smirked. "I thought you'd never ask!" Nightmare Moon aimed her lance down at the Lancers' ground forces! "STARFALL!" A shower of star-like blasts rained down upon the robotic army! Scrapping a good number of the enemy forces!
"It appears as though I will need to employ my trump card sooner than expected." Nova Flare glared at Nightmare Moon before powering up her magic and casting a spell over all the forces under her command! The spell was cast when Nova began singing and the aura of her magic shined with power! A similar aura appeared around the Lancer forces under her command! And when the forces of the Crystal Empire engaged the Lancer units in combat, they were shocked to find that the song-like spell that Nova Flare had increased the robots' strength! Even worse was the fact that after they struck down another Lancer robot, the remaining ones seemed to gain a boost in strength!
"What kind of crazy magic is this?!" Dark Ice grunted as he swung his claymore desperately to give the soldiers by his side! "She just starts singing a tune and now her troops get a power boost?!"
"It appears that Nova Flare has the abilities of a priestess. Meaning her magic is heavily support oriented." Celestia observed as she blocked any attacks directed at her with her shield! "It appears she cast two support spells at once!"
"Care to explain, princess?" Shining Armor asked as he bashed a Guardian unit with his shield! Disorienting it long enough for Burst to finish it with a charge shot! "They're not that much more durable, but they just keep getting stronger with each one we take down!"
"The spells Nova Flare cast are called Warriors' Will and Force of the Fallen!" Celestia answered as she dodged the spear of a Valkyrie unit! "The former boosts the strength or fighters while the latter grants a power boost that increases for each comrade that fell in battle to the whole army!"
"Crap!" Dark Ice growled as he barely fended off the hammer strike of a Guardian! "That means we're only making them stronger! The longer we keep this up, the easier it'll be for them to wipe us out! We need to get rid of these suckers all at once, but how?!"
"Most of my spells are defensive!" Shining Armor hissed in frustration! "The best I'd be able to do is stall them!"
"Actually, there is a way out of this." Burst Stream stated as he sheathed his weapons. "It's that other technique I mentioned! It doesn't take long to charge, and packs a REALLY big punch! Powerful enough to scrap all of those clankers marching towards us!"
"Thank Faust." Shining Armor sighed in relief.
"But you have to get everyone to pull back!" Burst Stream cautioned! "Trust me! You don't want to be in the way when I let it loose! Get everyone to pull back! NOW!"
"Right!" Shining Armor nodded fiercely! "Everyone fall back! Give Burst Stream a wide berth! I repeat: Fall back now!"
Not wanting to see what would happen if they stayed, the soldiers of the Crystal Empire pulled away from the ever-closer Lancer forces! Once he saw that all his allies were a safe distance away, Burst Stream stared down the mechanical menaces that marched towards him!
"Alright Bahamut. Time to put your signature technique to the test." Burst Stream muttered to himself as he began pooling all of his magic power into a brilliant blue sphere of energy in front of his hands! When the Lancer forces were almost on top of him, Burst Stream spread his wings and took to the air! Aiming the sphere of magic down at his enemies and screaming out with all his might! "MEGA FLARE!"
The sphere turned into a massive blue beam of magic that struck the Lancer army dead-on, and the massive explosion that followed the impact rocked the land and quaked the heavens! When the dust cleared, the entire remaining Lancer forces lay decimated! Burst Stream falling to the ground in exhaustion! Not wasting any time, Nightmare Moon flew straight for Burst Stream and caught him before he hit the ground!
"Quite the fireworks show." Nightmare Moon smiled. "I'd say you could give Inferno a run for his money with that kind of firepower."
"Yeah, it's pretty strong." Burst smiled weakly. "But it drains almost all of my magic power. I can't really afford to spam it." He then looked to see Dark Ice marching toward Nova Flare. "But I don't think that's gonna be a problem right now. . . "
Dark Ice glared at Nova Flare as he approached her. "It's over, Nova! Your forces are scrap metal now, and your boss is next on our list. Face the facts! You're not laying claim to the Crystal Empire"
"You speak as though I came to conquer, Dark Ice." Nova Flare said with a serene smile. "As I told Shining Armor: This is a mission of mercy. A mercy that I extended not just for him and his people, but to you as well."
"'Mercy'?" Dark Ice spat in disbelief! "What kind of sick excuse for mercy could I accept from you or your monster of a leader?!"
"Absolution from your past sins." Nova Flare replied. "I know of your troubled past, Dark Ice. The sins you committed while you served the Nightmare Forces shall never be forgotten. By either the ones you tormented, or yourself." Nova Flare saw Dark Ice flinch, and her smile grew as she took note of it. "While it's true the past cannot be wiped away, I can remove the guilt that shackles your heart. Lift the burden that weighs your soul down!" With each word, Nova Flare stepped closer to Dark Ice. "Let me wash away your regret, Dark Ice." Nova Flare extended her hand. "The spell I will cast can rescind the guilt and shame that stains your core."
Dark Ice was silent for a moment before taking a deep breath. "You can take your offer. . . " Dark Ice said as he stepped towards Nova Flare, and slapped her hand away! "AND SHOVE IT!" Nova Flare was completely rigid with shock while Dark Ice's friends cheered his decision! "I'll never be proud of the mistakes I made back then, but I won't regret them either! Because of them, I finally got my head straight and became better than I used to be! I don't have any guilt because I did the right thing before it was too late!" As he spoke, Dark Ice strode towards Nova Flare! The Lancer nervously backpedaling as Dark Ice advanced towards her!
"Admitting to your fears is something that only the truly courageous can do!" Dark Ice declared as he gripped the handle of his claymore! "And you're the biggest coward I've ever seen because you scared to admit that you're wrong about Blitz Surge! Honestly, I think you need time to sleep on it!" Dark Ice hit Nova Flare with the broad side of his claymore's blade! Knocking her out cold and dragging her towards Shining Armor. "One more down."
"And one left to go." Burst Stream said with a smile. "Hope you're ready Blitz. Because we're gonna come bursting through your front door!"